Kim Jong Il Production: Inside the North Korean Film Industry

A Kim Jong-Il Production: The Extraordinary True Story of a Kidnapped Filmmaker, His Star Actress, and a Young Dictator's Rise to Power

by Paul Fischer

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4186 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	431 pages
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The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK),commonly known as North Korea, is a notoriously secretive country. Its film industry is no exception. Shrouded in mystery and propaganda, the North Korean film industry has long fascinated outsiders. This article aims to shed light on this enigmatic realm, providing an in-depth exploration of its history, key figures, filmmaking techniques, and censored topics.

A Historical Overview

The North Korean film industry was born in the early 1950s, shortly after the Korean War. It was heavily influenced by the Soviet Union, which provided technical and ideological support. The early years of the industry were characterized by patriotic war films and propaganda aimed at glorifying the regime and its leaders. As the country's economy and political system stabilized, the film industry began to diversify its output, producing a range of genres including dramas, comedies, and even musicals.

One of the most significant figures in North Korean film history is Kim Jong Il, the late Supreme Leader of North Korea. Kim Jong Il was a passionate cinephile and exerted significant control over the film industry. He believed that cinema was a powerful tool for indoctrination and social control. Under his leadership, the industry produced numerous films that extolled the virtues of the regime and vilified its enemies.

The Role of Propaganda

Propaganda plays a central role in North Korean cinema. Films are heavily censored and used to promote the regime's ideology and policies. Common themes include the glorification of the Kim family, the demonization of the West, and the portrayal of North Korea as a prosperous and utopian society. The use of propaganda in North Korean cinema is so pervasive that it can be seen not only in the broad narrative arcs of films but also in the smallest details, such as the choice of props, costumes, and music.

Censorship and Control

The North Korean government exercises strict control over the film industry. All films must be approved by the Propaganda and Agitation Department of the Workers' Party of Korea. Any film deemed to be critical of the regime or its policies is banned. Foreign films are also heavily censored, and only a select few are allowed to be screened in North Korea.

Despite the strict censorship, there have been some filmmakers who have managed to subtly critique the regime in their work. For example, the film "Comrades, Almost a Love Story" (1996) depicts the struggles of two lovers trying to survive in the harsh realities of North Korean society. While the film was ultimately approved by the authorities, it is believed that it was only released due to Kim Jong Il's personal intervention.

Filmmaking Techniques

North Korean films are characterized by their unique filmmaking techniques. Many films employ a heightened realism, with an emphasis on slow motion, long takes, and dramatic lighting. The use of propaganda often manifests itself in the use of highly stylized imagery and symbolism. The musical scores are often sweeping and emotional, designed to evoke strong emotions in the audience.

Significant Films

Over the years, the North Korean film industry has produced a number of significant films that have gained international recognition.

• Pulgasari (1985): A monster movie that features a giant fire-breathing dragon. The film was co-produced with Japan and was a huge box office success.
• Comrade Kim Goes Flying (2012): A comedy-drama about a female pilot who dreams of flying in an international competition. The film was the first North Korean film to be screened in the United States since the 1970s.
• The Interview (2014): A satire about two American journalists who travel to North Korea to interview Kim Jong-un. The film caused a major diplomatic incident and was banned in North Korea.

The North Korean film industry is a fascinating and complex world. It is a world of propaganda and censorship, but it is also a world of creativity and artistry. While the films produced by the North Korean regime may not always be critically acclaimed, they offer a unique and valuable glimpse into one of the most secretive and isolated societies on Earth.

A Kim Jong-Il Production: The Extraordinary True Story of a Kidnapped Filmmaker, His Star Actress, and a Young Dictator's Rise to Power

by Paul Fischer

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4186 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	431 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE